High-Content Screening Discovers Microplastics Released by Contact Lenses under Sunlight

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Microplastics are pervasive due to widespread plastic use.
• Previous detection methods limited the study of microplastic release from contact lenses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, rapid method for detecting and quantifying microplastics from contact lenses.
• To investigate the potential for microplastic release from used contact lenses.
• To highlight a new pathway for direct human exposure to microplastics.

Main Methods:

• Established a high-content screening system for capturing and counting microplastics.
• Utilized scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for confirmation.
• Verified method reliability and applicability with commercial microplastics.

Main Results:

• Quantified an estimated release of 90,698 microplastic particles per pair of contact lenses annually.
• Confirmed microplastic release from contact lenses using advanced analytical techniques.
• Demonstrated the capability of the new method to measure particle size, area, and shape.

Conclusions:

• Contact lenses represent an unacknowledged source of microplastic release.
• This study reveals a direct pathway for microplastic exposure to the human eye.
• Urgent assessment of potential health risks associated with ocular microplastic exposure is necessary.